The 100-Item Fall Edit: Small Decisions, Big Space (Before the Holiday Rush)
Beth Cree
I believe that bringing the highest quality of service begins with caring for the people you are working for...
I believe that bringing the highest quality of service begins with caring for the people you are working for...
Why 100 Items?
There’s something motivating about round numbers. One item feels too small to matter. Ten feels doable. One hundred feels like a genuine accomplishment, without being overwhelming. Clearing 100 things gives you a visible, tangible difference you can feel when you walk through your door.
Think of it as your fall refresh. Lighter spaces now mean easier hosting, smoother mornings, and a calmer home before holiday chaos arrives.
The Ten-by-Ten Approach
Break it down into 10 categories of 10 items each. Some categories may be quicker than you think, while others may spark a mini snowball effect (hello, closet clean-outs).
Pantry → Toss expired cans, stale snacks, duplicate spices.
Bathroom → Goodbye to half-used lotions, old hotel shampoos, makeup past its prime.
Closet → Pull 10 pieces you haven’t worn in a year (or don’t fit quite right).
Décor → Seasonal knick knacks that never see the light of day.
Cords & Cables → If you don’t know what it belongs to, it probably doesn’t belong to you anymore.
Paper → Flyers, outdated coupons, expired warranties, mystery mail.
Kitchen Gadgets → That avocado slicer? The chipped mug collection? Time to let go.
Toys & Hobbies → Outgrown puzzles, craft clutter, duplicates.
Shoes & Accessories → The pair that gives you blisters, the belt you never reach for.
Storage “Just in Case” Items → That box of mystery hardware, extra linens you never touch, or gifts you meant to re-gift but didn’t.
When you look at it this way, 100 items becomes surprisingly simple!!
The One-In/Two-Out Rule
October is the month when new stuff starts creeping in, décor, gifts, holiday baking gear. To keep your home feeling balanced, try this rule: for every new item you bring in, release two.
It’s a mindset shift that not only keeps clutter from coming back but helps you actually gain space while enjoying the things you love most.
Sell, Donate, or Release: A Quick Decision Tree
We all get stuck in “but maybe I’ll use this someday” mode. Here’s your cheat sheet:
Is it in great condition and worth at least $20? Sell it, Marketplace, consignment, or a local swap group.
Would a friend, neighbor, or local family love it? Offer it directly.
Everything else? Donate to a shelter, nonprofit, or charity shop and let it serve someone else.
Remember: your home is not a storage unit for the future. It’s your living space, and it deserves to feel calm and welcoming now.
Why Do This in October?
- Hosting becomes easier. Guests won’t see the “shove everything in the spare room” scramble.
- You’ll actually enjoy decorating. A lighter backdrop makes seasonal touches shine.
- You save money. By seeing what you already have, you won’t double-buy.
- You’ll enter the holidays calmer. Less clutter = less stress = more energy for family and traditions.
This is your chance to hit pause, edit gently, and head into the holidays with intention. This season is about more than pumpkins and cider, it’s about creating space for what matters most. The 100-Item Fall Edit is your invitation to let go of the “just in case” clutter and step into the holidays with clarity, peace, and room to breathe.
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